Fla. official opposes return of Ohio teen

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A Florida state lawmaker said Friday a 17-year-old runaway who turned up in Orlando should not be returned to Ohio where she faces an alleged death threat.

State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner said in a statement that a judge should not order Fathima Rifqa Bary back to Columbus to be reunited with her Muslim family, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Bary alleges she ran away from home after her father, who was not identified, threatened to kill her for her conversion to Christianity.

The teen's father insists the young woman has nothing to fear and her family has agreed to allow her to stay with a foster family upon her return from Florida, where she has been staying with a couple she met through an online prayer group.

"No one should have to fear for their lives because of their religious choices," said Hasner, a Republican. "I urge the court to reject the motion to relinquish custody to Ohio where she may face imminent harm from her family and community if forced to return."

The Sentinel said a hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon regarding the teen's situation.